Footwear sole configured to impart pressure and stimulation

ABSTRACT

A footwear sole includes a first sole component or an inner portion of the sole and a second sole component or an outer portion of the sole. The upper surface of the first sole component having an undulating pattern of crests and troughs that is out of phase with a lower surface of the first sole component having an undulating pattern of crests and troughs. The vertical alignments of the crests of the upper surface with the troughs of the lower surface are configured to apply pressure at specific locations of the user&#39;s foot. The second sole component has a lower surface with an undulating pattern of crests and troughs that is out of phase with that of the lower surface. The combined configuration imparts differential pressure and sensory stimulation to the bottom surface of the user&#39;s foot.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to an article of footwear, and in particular, to a sole component with an upper surface having depressions and elevated upper regions, a lower surface with ground contacting regions and raised regions, and each of the elevated regions is vertically aligned with a respective ground contacting region. This configuration may impart pressure and stimulation to the bottom surface of the user's foot while providing the necessary support, cushioning, and traction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articles of footwear may include a sole structure or component which generally provides support and cushioning of the user's foot and traction for the footwear. The sole structure or component also provides cushioning to the user's foot when formed from resiliently compressible material. Other sole structures or components may also be configured in such a way to reduce the dimensions or weight of the sole in order enhance the comfort and use of the sole.

However, such designs are not configured to designate pressure to the foot when the user is engaged in standing or in an activity. Such designs also do not adequately provide sensory stimulation to the bottom surface of the user's foot while the user is standing or at rest or engaging in an activity. Such designs also are not configured to provide the positive effects localized pressure or sensory stimulation without also becoming insufficiently stable to support the user when standing or engaging in an activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to embodiments of an improved article of footwear with at least a sole having a sole component configured to impart localized pressure or sensory stimulation at certain locations to the user's foot. The sole component has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The upper surface may have at least one elevated or arched region. The upper surface may also have one or more depressions and one or more elevated regions.

The lower surface of the sole component may have ground contacting regions. Each of the ground contacting regions may be positioned along the longitudinal (i.e. heel-to-toe) axis of the sole component such that each ground contacting region is vertically aligned with an elevated region of the upper surface of the sole. These vertically aligned regions may define the thicker regions of the sole component which may impart greater pressure to the user's foot.

The lower surface may have raised regions adjacent to each of the ground contacting regions. Each of the raised regions may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the sole and vertically aligned with a depression of the upper surface of the sole component. These vertically aligned pairings of raised regions and depressions define the thinner regions of the sole component which may impart areas of reduced pressure applied to the user's foot.

In another preferred embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the sole component may be configured as wave configurations extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The undulating surfaces provide a smoother contoured feel against the user's foot which may enhance the pressure and sensory stimulation. The crests of the upper surface may be vertically aligned with the troughs of the lower surface making these regions the thicker part of the sole component. Since the thicker regions make contact with ground and the foot, the pressure to the foot is directed through these regions. The troughs of the upper surface may be vertically aligned with the lower crests of the lower surface making these regions the thinner part of the sole. The pressure exerted on the foot is minimal as the troughs of the upper surface are not in direct contact with the foot and as the crests of lower surface are not in direct contact of the ground.

Further to this embodiment, the sole component may be a first sole component that may be at least a part of the inner or central portion of the sole. In another preferred embodiment, the first sole component may be at least partially adjacent to a second sole component with the second sole component. The second sole component may have a lower surface with a second ground contacting regions which are spaced apart by a second raised region interspersed between each of the second ground contacting regions. The second ground contacting regions are spaced apart with the second raised region and the spaced apart second ground contacting regions extend along a longitudinal axis of the sole component. The first ground contacting regions are aligned with the second raised regions along the mediolateral axis of the sole which exposes a portion of the sidewall of the first sole component wherein the exposed portion of the sidewall is visible through the voids created by the second raised regions.

In another preferred embodiment, the second sole component may be a portion of the outer perimeter of the sole. In some embodiments, the second sole component may be located adjacent to both the medial and lateral sidewalls of the first sole component. The outer sole portion may also entirely surround a first sole component wherein the first sole component is a central or inner portion of the sole.

The second sole component has an upper surface which may have second depressions and second elevated regions on at least a portion of the upper surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the second sole component has second elevated regions that are level with the first elevated regions of the first sole component. The second elevated regions or second depressions may be horizontally aligned with the first elevated regions and first depressions or they are offset from each other. The second sole component may have a second upper surface and a second lower surface that are configured to be undulating along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The second upper surface having a plurality of second upper crests and a plurality of second upper troughs. The second lower surface having a plurality of second lower crests and a plurality of second lower troughs.

The second upper crests are vertically aligned with the second troughs making these aligned regions the thicker regions of the second sole component.

Since the elevated regions or upper crests of the upper surfaces are vertically aligned with the ground contacting regions or lower troughs of the lower surfaces, the applied pressure to the foot is further enhanced given the opposing ground force directed through the ground contacting regions or lower troughs and through the elevated regions or upper crests. The depressions or troughs of the upper surfaces may also form voids under the foot or areas reduced pressure of force on the foot than the elevated regions or crests of the upper surface, The areas of reduced pressure and the areas of enhanced force may be transmitted through the contact with the foot with at least the elevated portions or upper crests of the upper surfaces. The contact may be directly with the foot or indirectly through a layer that is sufficiently flexible to allow the user's foot to be sensitive to the alternating applied pressure or stimulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only, selected embodiments and aspects of the present invention are described below. Each description refers to a figure (“FIG.”) which shows the described matter. Some figures shown in drawings or photographs that accompany this specification may be for footwear that is for either the left or right foot. Each figure includes one or more identifiers for one or more part(s) or elements(s) of the invention.

Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a sole.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the sole.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 shows an exterior side view of a sole.

FIG. 5 shows the cross section along the longitudinal midline 5-5 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis taken at line 6-6 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis taken at line 7-7 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 8 shows the side view of an embodiment of the sole.

FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 shows the cross section along the longitudinal midline 10-10 in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis at line 11-11 in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 12 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis at line 12-12 in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 13 shows the side view of an embodiment of the sole.

FIG. 14 shows a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 shows the cross section along the longitudinal midline 15-15 in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis at line 16-16 in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 shows the cross section along the mediolateral axis at line 17-17 in FIG. 14 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of describing axes and directions for a sole structure, it is assumed that surfaces of a sole structure intended for ground contact are resting on a horizontal reference plane. A longitudinal axis refers to a horizontal heel-to-toe axis that extends from an approximately rearmost heel location to an approximately forwardmost toe location. A longitudinal direction extends along the longitudinal axis. A mediolateral axis extends generally between the medial side and the lateral side of the footwear and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of footwear within the transverse or horizontal plane corresponding to the user's foot. A mediolateral direction extends along the mediolateral axis. A vertical axis extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the sagittal plane corresponding to the user's foot and the mediolateral axis of the sole structure in the coronal plane corresponding to the user's foot. A vertical direction extends along the vertical axis. For example, in cases where a portion of the bottom and/or lower surface of the sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole.

The terms “elevated,” “raised,” and “higher” refer to the vertical direction extending upward from an approximately horizontal plane of the sole, while the terms “downward” and “lowered” refer to the vertical direction extending downward from an approximately horizontal plane of the sole. Similarly, the terms “top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially opposite from a portion of the bottom and/or lower surface or region of the sole in a vertical direction. The terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially closest to a portion of the bottom and/or lower surface or region of the sole in a vertical direction. The term “ground contacting” refers to a portion of the sole that directly contacts the ground or indirectly contacts the ground separated by a thin layer of material.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-7 , a first sole component 6 forms an inner area or centrally located area and a second sole component 4 forms an outer portion of the sole, which extends at least partially around the first sole component. The second sole component 4 includes an outer sidewall 8 and an inner sidewall 10. The inner sidewall 10 extends at least partially around the first sole component 6. The second sole component 4 has an upper surface 12 and a lower surface 14. The second sole component may include a lateral segment 23 extending along the lateral side of the sole in a longitudinal direction and a medial segment 24 extending along the medial side of the sole in a longitudinal direction. First sole component 6 includes a sidewall 9. In this exemplary embodiment, some portions of sidewall 9 are adjacent and attached to the second sole component's inner sidewall 10 and some portions of the sidewall 9 are exposed and not covered by the inner sidewall 10. The first sole component 6 has an upper surface 13, and a lower surface 15. The lower surfaces of both the first sole component and the second sole component may collectively form ground contacting surfaces.

Extended Perimeter Sidewall. The upper surface 12 of the second sole component 4 may have a plurality of protrusions 16 that have a waveform configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 16 of the upper surface 12 may be located along the medial segment 24 and lateral segment 23 of the second sole component 4, and the protrusions 16 have a waveform configuration generally along the longitudinal axis. The protrusions 16 of the upper surface 12 may extend at least partially or the entire length across the medio-lateral plane of the second sole component 4. The protrusions 16 and the adjacent troughs 19 may be located along the perimeter of the sole to form extended sidewalls 52 that cup the exterior surface of the upper 50. In other embodiments, the waveform surface of the second sole component may also be positioned underneath the foot to provide enhanced pressure or sensory stimulation.

The apex of each protrusion 16 on the upper surface may also be considered an elevated point or highest point that defines a peak or crest 18 of each protrusion 16 of the upper surface 12. Adjacent to protrusion 16, a space may define a lowered point or lowest point that defines a trough 19.

Protrusions 16 on the upper surface 12 of the second sole component 4 may be uniform in size or vary in size with respect to the height along a vertical axis, length along the longitudinal axis, width across the medio-lateral axis. Protrusions 16 may also vary based on the splay angle 20 from the adjacent trough 19. A splay angle is measured between the tangential lines 21. Tangential lines are extrapolated from the lowest point of the trough 19 and inflection point “a” which is the point in which the curvature of the protrusion 16 inflects to the curvature of trough 19. In one embodiment, the protrusions may have a smaller adjacent splay angle in the forefoot region and generally a larger splay angle in the heel region. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be four to five protrusions along a longitudinal side of the upper surface of the second sole component.

In the exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 , the extended perimeter sidewall 52 of the second sole component may have a waveform pattern with a space between two adjacent protrusions 16 of the upper surface 12 and may have a substantially concave shape having a trough 19 between the crests 18 of the convex protrusions 16. The concave space between convex protrusions may resemble a sinusoidal-like waveform that is in phase with the waveform of the lower surface of the second sole component 4. The waveforms may take on waveform shapes or combinations of shapes, e.g. square, triangle, sawtooth, etc. While the extended perimeter sidewall 52 may function to cup and secure through bonding of the upper 50, the extended perimeter's wave form may be primarily ornamental.

Upper Surface of the Seconds Sole Component. Further to this embodiment, the upper surface 12 of the second sole component may have regions that are entirely devoid or partially devoid of protrusions 16 other than contours on the extended perimeter sidewall 52 and other than the declined slope 54 originating from the extended perimeter sidewall 52 towards the inner portion of the sole. Extended perimeter sidewall 52 and the declined slope 54 are designed to cup the bottom of the foot or provide raised portions that are well-known in the art to support the foot such as a midfoot arch support. In an alternate embodiment, the upper surface may additionally have a plurality of elevated regions spaced away from each other by a depression which is located along the inner portion of the upper surface away from the extended perimeter sidewall 52. The elevated regions extend along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The elevated regions may be configured as a waveform. The elevated regions or crests may be vertically aligned with the ground contacting surfaces or troughs of the lower surface of the second sole component such the ground contacting surfaces 48 or troughs 49 of the lower surface 14 making these regions the thicker portions of the sole.

The additional elevated regions or crests along with the depressions or troughs of the upper surface of the second sole component may be integrated as part of the overall declined slope that extends from the extended perimeter sidewall. The additional elevated regions or crests may extend and be horizontally aligned to at least a portion of the inner area of the upper surface of the first sole component. The additional or second elevated regions and adjacent depressions may also be horizontally offset with the first elevated regions and adjacent depressions of the first uppers surface of the first sole component.

Lower Surface of the Second Sole Component. The lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4 may have a plurality of ground contacting regions 48, where each of the ground contacting regions 48 are spaced away from each other by a raised region 46. The raised regions 46 form a space or cavity within the second sole component 4.

The ground contacting regions 48 of the lower surface 14 of the ground contacting regions 48 may be uniform in size or vary in size with respect to either or in combination with the height generally along a vertical axis, length along the longitudinal axis, width across the medio-lateral axis, and/or a splay angle formed by an interspaced cavity formed within a raised region 46 between the two adjacent ground contacting regions 48. The ground contacting regions 48 may vary in size such as smaller ground contacting regions in the forefoot and larger ground contacting regions along at least a portion of the heel region. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be four to five ground contacting regions along a longitudinal side of the lower surface of the second sole component. In other embodiments, the number of ground contacting regions may vary, and may be positioned only at locations directed to providing the desired pressure or sensory stimulation to the user's foot.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 , & 4, the lower surface 14 may form a sinusoidal wave. The sinusoidal wave of the lower surface 14 has a plurality of lower crests and a plurality of lower troughs. In an alternate embodiment, the pressure may be enhanced to certain locations of the foot by having at least a portion of the foot supporting upper surface of the second sole component with a sinusoidal wave that is out of phase with the lower surface. The out of phase upper surface has upper crests vertically aligned with the lower surfaces troughs which forms the thicker regions of the sole. The upper surfaces' troughs are vertically aligned with the lower surfaces' crests which forms the thinner regions of the sole. The forefoot of the sole may have a thinner height than in the heel of the sole. The crests and troughs may have substantially the same amplitude (i.e., height) or may have variable amplitudes. The spacing of the crests and troughs may also vary. The spacing may be lesser in the forefoot region than in the heel region.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the ground contacting regions 48 on the lower surface 14 along the lateral segment 23 and medial segment 24 of the second sole component 4 may have approximate heights (or amplitudes of the troughs) of roughly 2 mm to 10 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second sole component 4 may have ground contacting regions 48 that extend to the perimeter of the sole 2. The ground contacting regions 48 may extend across the entire medio-lateral width of the lateral and medial segments 23, 24 of the second sole component 4. In other embodiments, the ground contacting regions of the second sole component may extend only a partial distance across the width. The second raised regions 46 may also extend from the perimeter of the second sole component 4 and at least partially along the mediolateral width or across the entire width of the second sole component 4.

Further to this embodiment in FIG. 1 , the toe and heel ground contacting regions 54, 56 may be U-shaped—along the plane formed by the intersection of the mediolateral and longitudinal axes—and extend around the heel and toe regions of the first sole component 6. Ground contacting regions 48 along a lateral segment 23 or medial segment 24 of the second sole component 4 may have an approximate length of roughly 4 mm to 10 mm. A ground contacting region 48 may extend across the width of the lateral segment 23 or medial segment 24 of the second sole component 4 may have a width of roughly 20 mm to 27 mm.

A First Sole Component. A sole may have a first sole component that is configured to provide desired pressure or sensory stimulation to foot. The first sole component may encompass the entire sole or only a portion of the sole. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 , the first sole component 6 includes a sidewall 9, a first upper surface 13, and a first lower surface 15. The first upper surface 13 may have depressions 34 and elevated regions 32. The lower surface 15 may have first ground contacting surfaces 38 and first raised regions 36.

In exemplary embodiments, first sole component 6 has a sidewall 9 adjacent to second sole component 4 and is configured to fit within second sole component 4 as a central area of the sole. The sidewall 9 may be configured to be angled inwardly from the upper surface 13 to the lower surface 15, and further configured so that the sidewall 9 may converge toward each other. The first sole component may be separately molded and inserted into the central cavity formed by the second sole component. The inwardly angled sidewall 9 enables a more stable fit of the first sole component within the central cavity of the second sole component which has inner sidewalls of the second sole component that are configured to receive angled sidewalls 9 of the first sole component. Once the first sole component is inserted, it may be bonded to second sole component through the use of heat, adhesives, or any process known in the art. In alternate embodiments, the first sole component and the second sole component may be formed of a unitary construction. In another embodiment, the first sole component may not require a second sole component and the first sole component forms the perimeters of at least most or all of the sole.

The upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 may have elevated regions 32 and depressions 34 wherein the elevated regions are each spaced away by a depression along the longitudinal axis of the sole. This upper surface 13 may have a waveform configuration forming crests and troughs. Elevated regions may be uniform in dimensions or vary in size with respect to the height along the vertical axis, length along the longitudinal axis, width across the medio-lateral axis, and/or splay angles that extend into the adjacent depressions. Elevated regions may be smaller in size in the forefoot region and larger in size in the heel region. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be four to six elevated regions along a longitudinal side of the upper surface of first sole component. The depressions may be concave with some forming circular depressions while others forming elongated depressions extending across the medio-lateral width of the first sole component. The depressions may vary in shape and are preferred to have large enough dimensions such that voids are perceived by the foot with a pressure differential or sensory stimulation applied to the foot either when the user is standing or engaging in activity. The foot may also perceive differences in texture based on the undulating pattern.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 , the concave depressions extend from the mediolateral width of the first sole component. The depth of the depressions ranges from 2 mm to 6 mm. The depressions in the heel to midfoot portions may be more circular and larger than the depressions in forefoot region. The depressions in the forefoot portion may be more elongated in the mediolateral direction. The depressions may not fully extend the width of the first sole component. The upper surface of the sole may have multiple depressions spaced by multiple elevated regions along a mediolateral axis.

Ground contacting regions 38 of the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 may be uniform in size or vary in size with respect to the height along the vertical axis, length along the longitudinal axis, width across the medio-lateral axis, and/or splay angle 20 in the spaces between the ground contacting surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis of the base. Ground contacting regions 38 may be smaller in size in the forefoot region and larger in size in the heel region. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be five to seven ground contacting regions along the lower surface of the first sole component.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , a raised region 36 between two substantially convex ground contacting regions 38 on the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 wherein the raised region would have a substantially concave shape. The concave shape of the raised region 36 and the ground contacting regions 38 may resemble a sinusoidal waveform.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the first sole component resembles a sinusoidal waveform configuration that may be in phase with a sinusoidal waveform. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the upper surface 13 may have a sinusoidal waveform configuration which may be out of phase with a sinusoidal waveform configuration of the sinusoidal waveform of the lower surface 15. The crests of the upper surface 13 may be vertically aligned with troughs of the lower surface making these regions the thicker part of the sole which enables more force transmitted from the ground to the foot.

It is understood that the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 may have a plurality of elevated points defining crests 18 that are located along the longitudinal direction between two elevated points defining crests 18 on the bottom surface 14 of the second sole component 4. Alternatively, or in combination with the above, it may be understood that the bottom surface 14 of the outer portion 4 may have a plurality of elevated points defining crests 18 that are located along the longitudinal axis between two elevated points defining crests 18 on the lower surface 15 of the inner portion 6.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , elevated regions 32 on the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 may form peaks or crests along the longitudinal midline of the sole. Further to this embodiment, the depressions 34 form the troughs on the upper surface 13. The longitudinal axis of the sole may have an overall curvature of forefoot region in which a wave pattern follows. The upper surface 13 may also be generally concave, i.e. the elevated regions and the depressions are overall curved, in order that perimeter regions of the sole structure cup the upper 50 as shown in FIG. 5 . The general concavity along the mediolateral direction may varying depending on the location along the longitudinal axis wherein certain regions are a greater degree of cupping. The upper surface 13 may have a lower focal point, i.e. is less concave, along the medial lateral axis in areas that substantially correspond along a vertical axis to the elevated regions 32 on the upper surface 13 as shown in FIG. 6 . The upper surface 13 may have a greater degree of curvature with a greater focal point along the medial lateral axis in areas that substantially correspond depressions 34 as shown in FIG. 7 . Ground contacting regions 38 are interspaced by raised regions 36 along the longitudinal axis of the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6. The second lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4 has positioned second ground contacting regions 48 laterally adjacent to the raised regions 36 of the first sole component 6 in order to provide or enhance the stability to the first sole component raised regions that are above the ground. In FIG. 6 , the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 and the second lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4 are out of phase with only the first sole component 6 having a ground contacting region 38. The resulting configuration exposes the sidewall 9 of the first sole component 6 and an adjacent inner sidewall 10 of the second sole component 4.

Further to the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 , & 6, the interface between the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 and the upper surface 12 of the second sole component 4 may be formed to be substantially coplanar at the elevated regions 32. In alternate embodiments, the interface may not be coplanar as upper surfaces are configured to have additional depressions and elevated regions for additional sensory stimulation.

In other exemplary embodiments, waveforms of either the upper surface or lower surface of the first sole component may have other shape configurations, including, but not limited to, at least approximately triangular, square, sawtooth or polygonal. A sole component may have the same shape or have varying shapes. The elevated regions and depressions of the first sole component may be configured as a waveform where each crest and trough may have substantially the same amplitude or vary in amplitude. The amplitude may be lesser in the forefoot region than in the heel region. In some preferred embodiments, the amplitude may vary approximately between 2 mm to 7 mm for a women's size 6 shoe. The range of amplitudes for a particular sole may vary based on different sized shoes.

The wavelength may also vary along the longitudinal direction wherein the wavelength is a shorter distance in the forefoot region than in the heel region. Approximate wavelength distances may range between 10 mm to 34 mm for a women's size 6 shoe. The wavelength range of distances may vary based on different sized shoes.

Lower surface 15 of first sole component 6 may form ground contacting surfaces 38 of the sole. Ground contacting surfaces 38 may extend at least partially or the entire length along the mediolateral direction of the first sole component 6. The cavities formed by interspersed raised regions 36 may also extend at least partially or the entire length along the mediolateral direction of the first sole component 6. The ground contacting surfaces 38 may directly contact the ground or have an indirect contact through an attached outsole layer. An added outsole layer may provide enhanced durability to the sole bottom as well as may be used to modulate the applied pressure differential to the foot which be modulated by the rigidity or hardness.

Ground contacting regions 38 on the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 may be smaller in the forefoot region and larger in the heel region. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 & 5 , there are five ground contacting regions 38 along a longitudinal direction of the lower surface 15 of the ground contacting regions 38. A ground contacting region 38 may have an approximate range of lengths of approximately 4 mm to 10 mm. The ground contacting region width that are along the mediolateral direction an approximate width range of 40 mm to 50 mm. The range of sizes may vary depending on the size of the shoe.

In one exemplary embodiment, the ground contacting regions 38 and raised regions 36 resembling a sinusoidal waveform configuration on the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 may be out of phase (i.e., staggered) with the ground contacting regions 48 and raised regions 46 resembling a sinusoidal waveform configuration on the lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4, located on each of the lateral segment 23 and the medial segment 24 of the second sole component 4.

In some embodiments, raised regions 36 between ground contacting regions 38 on the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 or the lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4 may be angled as it splays downward and outward, forming a splay angle 20. The splay angle 20 is defined by the angle between the tangential lines 21 wherein each tangential line 21 is extrapolated from the highest point of the raised regions 36 to the inflection point “a” wherein the curvature of the raised region 36 inflects to the curvature of the ground contacting regions 38 on either side of the raised regions 36 as shown in FIG. 5 .

Each of the depressions of the upper surfaces and the raised regions on the lower surfaces may each have a splay angle. The splay angle may vary depending on the desired cushioning and sensory stimulation properties of each depression of the upper surface or raised region on the lower surface.

In one embodiment the splay angles 20 of at least one of the lower surface 14 of the second sole component 4 and the lower surface 15 of the first sole component 6 may be greater than 50 degrees. The splay angles 20 in the depressions 34 on the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 4 may be greater than 50 degrees.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-12 and FIGS. 13-17 , the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 is convex or arched along a medio-lateral direction and is non-undulating. Further to these embodiments, the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 is covered entirely by the second sole component 4. The portion of the upper surface 12 of the second sole component 4 located above the upper surface 13 of the first sole component 6 is also non-undulating. In some embodiments, at least one of the first sole component 6 and the second sole component 4 is of solid construction and has a substantially uniform density and shore hardness. In some embodiments, the material forming the first sole component 6 may have an equal or higher shore hardness or density than that of the second sole component 4.

The higher shore hardness or density in the first sole component may provide higher pressure or stimulation to the central portion of the user's foot. The pressure may be further localized to a region of the user's foot based on the configuration of the upper surface of the first sole component such as having an arched region that focuses the pressure or stimulation to the user's foot. For example, the focus may be along a discrete longitudinal axis of the foot by configuring the upper surface of the first sole component to have an arched region that is arched across the mediolateral direction of the sole with the crest of the arch extending along a longitudinal axis of the first sole component. Further to this embodiment, the pressure or stimulation may be greater when vertically aligned with a ground contacting region either in the form of protrusion or trough of an undulated lower surface of the first sole component. In another exemplary embodiment, there are more than one arched region spaced apart by depression or leveled regions of the upper surface and the pressure or stimulation may be focused based on the direction of the arched curve and the alignment with ground contact regions.

The first sole component 6 may have a shore hardness (ASTM D-2240) between 35-63C and the second sole component 4 may have a shore hardness between 35-48C. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-12 , the first sole component may have a shore hardness between 57-63C in the foremost region 62 of the first sole component 6, a shore hardness between 62-68C in the portion rearward of the foremost region, and the second sole component 4 may have a shore hardness between 42-48C. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13-17 , the first sole component 6 may have a shore hardness between 67-73C and the second sole component 4 may have a shore hardness between 42-48C. Further to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-12 and 13-17 , the sole may have an attached heel clip 72 having a shore hardness of 82-88C and providing additional stability and support to the user's heel In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , each of the first sole component 6 and the second sole component may have a hardness between 35-41C.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 13 and 15 , when downward pressure is not applied to the sole, the first sole component 6 may have lowest points forming first ground contacting regions 38 on a ground surface 82, whereas the second sole component 4 has troughs 49 of the lower surface 14 which are vertically higher with respect to the ground contacting regions 38 of the first sole component 6 and which do not form ground contacting regions. For example, the troughs 49 may be vertically higher by a distance of up to ˜3 mm. When downward pressure is applied, such as when the user's foot compresses the sole, the first sole component 6 may compress allowing one or more troughs 49 of second sole component 4 to form second ground contacting regions.

Massaging Units. In another embodiment, the article of footwear includes a massage unit which may provide neuromuscular stimulation.

The massage unit or components of the massage unit responsible for providing a vibrational sensation may be located in a component of the article of footwear, such as the midsole layer. The massage unit may be located in a sole component, insole, or sockliner. The massage unit may be separately located between components of the article of footwear, such as between the midsole and the insole.

In one embodiment, the massage unit is located in a shank of the article of footwear located under the insole but above a midsole component. A preferred embodiment of the massage unit is one that does not interfere with the differentially applied pressure or sensory stimulation of the first sole component. For example, the massage unit or units may be positioned entirely within an area of an elevated region or within an area of a depression of the first sole component.

The massage unit may comprise an assembly of components including at least one rechargeable battery, at least one vibrating motor, and at least one electronic control board. A wireless or manual control device, such as a switch or button, may be operated to activate and or deactivate a function of the massage unit.

The control device may be located near or affixed to the upper or a sole component of the article of footwear. In one embodiment the control device is located on the tongue or instep attachment of the shoe.

The control device may be configured so that each time the control device is activated, it may activate a function of a cyclic sequence of functions where each function corresponds to a predetermined selection of an amplitude (or intensity), frequency, and/or pulse of vibration.

In one embodiment a control button may cycle through (1) a low intensity pulse vibration, (2) a medium intensity pulse vibration, (3) a high intensity pulse vibration, (4) a low intensity constant vibration, (5) a medium intensity constant vibration, (6) a relatively high intensity constant vibration, and (7) deactivation of the massage unit or no vibration. The massage unit may also include an additional pulsation control device which may regulate the frequency, pulse, and amplitude of the vibration.

The massage unit may incorporate a timer which deactivates the massage unit after a pre-selected period of operation.

In one embodiment a power source may be connected to the massage unit via a charging cable, such as USB charging cable. The charging cable may be releasably attached to a connection port on the article of footwear. A wired control button assembly may also be releasably attached to the wired connection port. The wired control button assembly may be removed to facilitate charging the massage unit's rechargeable battery with a charging cable.

In another embodiment, the massage unit may be charged wirelessly through induction as is known in the art.

Materials. The sole components may be constructed of any material used in the art. Some exemplary materials may include but are not limited to a POE such as EVA, TPU, or TPE. Polymer materials may be foamed. The materials may be relatively rigid or compressible under a sufficient load in order to provide a cushioning effect while still applying sufficient pressure to the wearer's bottom of foot. It is generally understood that a more rigid material would exhibit a higher degree of differentially applied pressure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer materials may be foamed either through use of chemical foaming agents or supercritical fluid expansion. The SCF-expanded polymer material may be, but is not limited to, EVA and/or TPU. In one embodiment, the second sole component may have a higher density and hardness than the first sole component. Further to this embodiment, the SCF foamed material may include a plurality of pin hole apertures to provide flexibility, reduction of weight, and desired weight distribution.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the sole components may be a fluid filled compartment. The sole components may also incorporate rigid shanks or plates. The sole components may have hollow chambers or may be solidly constructed with no hollow chambers.

Although the present invention has been described above by referring to particular embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations could be made to the sole structure without departing from the intended scope of invention. 

We claim:
 1. A sole comprising: a first sole component having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall surface; the upper surface comprising depressions and elevated regions; wherein the depressions are spaced apart from each other with an elevated region interspersed between each of the depressions, and the depressions are spaced along a heel-to-toe axis of the sole; the lower surface comprising first ground contacting regions and first raised regions, the first ground contacting regions are spaced apart from each other with a first raised region interspersed between each of the first ground contacting regions, and the first ground contacting regions are spaced along the heel-to-toe axis of the sole; each of the elevated regions being vertically and solidly aligned with a corresponding first ground contacting region, each of the depressions extending across a mediolateral direction of the sole at least within a central portion of the first sole component, and wherein the upper surface of the first sole component has direct contact with a user's foot or a flexible insert.
 2. The sole of claim 1, wherein each of the depressions is vertically aligned with one of the elevated lower regions.
 3. The sole of claim 1, further comprising a second sole component, wherein the second sole component is adjacent to the first sole component being positioned adjacent to the sidewall surface of the first sole component.
 4. The sole of claim 1 wherein the second sole component has a lower surface, and the lower surface comprising second ground contacting regions that are each spaced away from each other by a second raised region that is interspersed between the second ground contacting regions.
 5. The sole of claim 4 wherein each of the first ground contacting regions are aligned with the second raised regions along the mediolateral direction of the sole which exposes a portion of the sidewall of the first sole component.
 6. The sole of claim 5 wherein the second ground contacting regions are at least aligned with the first raised regions along the mediolateral axis of the sole.
 7. The sole of claim 6 wherein the sidewall surface of the first sole component has a medial surface and a lateral surface, and the second sole component is located adjacent to the medial sidewall and lateral sidewall of the first sole component wherein the first sole component is at least a portion of a central area of the sole.
 8. The sole of claim 5 wherein the first sole component is constructed of a less dense material than the second sole component.
 9. The sole of claim 1 wherein the depressions and elevated regions forms an undulating surface along the heel-to-toe axis of the sole.
 10. The sole of claim 1 wherein the first ground contacting regions and the first raised regions form an undulating surface along the heel-to-toe axis of the sole.
 11. The sole of claim 1 wherein at least one depression in a heel region of the first sole component is approximately circular and at least one depression in a forefoot region of the first sole component is elongated.
 12. An article of footwear comprising: a first sole component having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall surface; the upper surface having an at least one arched region; the lower surface comprising first ground contacting regions and first raised regions, the first ground contacting regions are spaced apart from each other with a first raised region interspersed between each of the first ground contacting regions, and the first ground contacting regions spaced along the heel-to-toe axis of the article; each of the first ground contacting regions is vertically aligned with the at least one arched region, a second sole component which is located along at least a portion of the perimeter of the article and is adjacent to the first sole component being positioned adjacent to the sidewall surface of the first sole component, the second sole component having a lower surface comprising second ground contacting regions that are each spaced away from each other by a second raised region that is interspersed between the second ground contacting regions, each of the first ground contacting regions being aligned with the second raised regions along the mediolateral axis of the article which exposes a portion of the sidewall of the first sole component, and wherein the upper surface of the first sole component has direct contact with a user's foot or an intermediate layer having a lower hardness than a first hardness of the first sole component.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the upper surface comprising depressions and arched regions; wherein the depressions are spaced apart from each other with one of the arched regions interspersed between each of the depressions, and the depressions are spaced along a heel-to-toe axis of the article; each of the depressions extending across a mediolateral direction of the article from an edge of the first sole component to the opposite edge of the first sole component,
 14. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein the depressions and the arched regions form an undulating surface along the heel-to-toe axis of the sole.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein the first ground contacting regions and the first raised regions form an undulating surface along the heel-to-toe axis of the sole.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 14 wherein the sidewall surface of the first sole component has a medial surface and a lateral surface, and the second sole component is located adjacent to the medial sidewall and lateral sidewall of the first sole component and wherein the first sole component is at least a portion of a central area of the sole.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein at least one of the sole components is constructed of material formed by supercritical fluid expansion of a polymer material into its final form.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein the at least one arched region is arched along the mediolateral direction of the sole and extends along the entire upper surface of the first sole component.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein a hardness of the first sole component is greater than the second sole component.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 19 wherein the hardness of the first sole component is greater in a forefoot region than in a heel region of the first sole component.
 21. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein each of the first ground contacting regions has a first lowest point and each of the second ground contacting regions has a second lowest point, and at least one of the second lowest points is vertically higher than at least one of the first lowest points when no downward pressure is applied on the article of footwear.
 22. The article of footwear of claim 21 wherein the second lower point is vertically higher than the first lower point by a vertical height up to 3 mm.
 23. A sole comprising: a first sole portion and a second sole portion; the first sole portion located centrally to the second sole portion; the first sole portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite of the upper surface; the upper surface having an upper sinusoidal wave configuration extending along a longitudinal axis of the sole; the lower surface having a lower sinusoidal wave configuration extending along the longitudinal axis of the sole; wherein the upper surface has upper crests and upper troughs; the lower surface has a plurality of lower crests and lower troughs and; each of the upper crests are vertically aligned to a corresponding lower trough and each of the lower crests are vertically aligned to a corresponding upper trough; and wherein the upper surface of the first sole portions having direct contact with a user's foot or a flexible insert.
 24. The sole of claim 21 wherein the sole further comprises a second sole portion that surrounds the first sole portion and forms a central cavity that receives the first sole portion.
 25. The sole of claim 22 wherein first sole portion has at least a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall, and the medial and the lateral sidewalls are angled inwardly from either the upper surface or lower surface of the first sole portion, and the central cavity is reciprocally angled to receive the medial and lateral sidewalls.
 26. The sole of claim 23 wherein the first sole portion extends from a heel region to a toe region, and the upper surface has 4 to 5 troughs each with a splay angle greater than 50 degrees. 